Police Seize 1.2m Illegal Chinese Sanitary Pads

Police and health officials have raided two warehouses in Bangkok and Samut Sakhon, seizing more than 1.2 million illegally imported sanitary pads from China worth over 20 million baht. The operation was announced on 18 February 2026 at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). Authorities warned the products posed potential health risks and confirmed that those responsible would face legal action.

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The raid was led by Pol Lt Gen Kritsada Kanchanamongkol, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chawanat, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, and Pol Maj Gen Kongkrit Lertsitthikul, commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division. They were joined by senior officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including Supattra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the FDA, Dr Rungaruthai Muanprasertporn, Deputy Secretary-General, and Lertchai Lertwut, Deputy Secretary-General.

According to Pol Col Weeraphong Klaisong, superintendent of Division 4 of the Consumer Protection Police Division, investigators discovered that the illegal sanitary pads were being sold via online platforms. Officers searched a warehouse in Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok, where a 32-year-old woman was found overseeing storage and packaging. She allegedly received shipments from China and dispatched around 5,000 items per day under instructions from a Chinese administrator, operating for approximately eight months.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A second warehouse in Samut Sakhon was later searched, where a 25-year-old man was found managing the premises alongside a large quantity of stock. Investigators also found that some products displayed a single FDA registration number that had been reused across different items to create false credibility. Advertisements claimed exaggerated benefits, including antibacterial properties and biological balance adjustment, despite the items being classified as cosmetic products.

Authorities have filed charges under the Cosmetics Act and the Hazardous Substances Act for selling unregistered cosmetics, incorrect labelling and counterfeit goods, offences that carry penalties including imprisonment and fines.

Supattra Boonserm urged women to check for valid FDA registration numbers and Thai-language labels before purchasing sanitary products. She warned that unusually cheap products could cause irritation, rashes or infections of the reproductive system. Officials reiterated their commitment to prosecuting offenders and encouraged the public to report illegal health products.

Khoasod reported that investigations are continuing to identify further individuals involved in the importation and distribution network. Authorities have confirmed that legal proceedings will move forward against those arrested.

Key Takeaways

• More than 1.2 million illegal sanitary pads worth over 20 million baht were seized in Bangkok and Samut Sakhon on 18 February 2026.

• Products were sold online using false FDA registration numbers and exaggerated claims.

• Suspects face charges under the Cosmetics Act and Hazardous Substances Act, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 19 Feb 2026